I had a nasty humerus fracture fixed recently at BPH (surgical plate and screws). No complaint about the treatment or aftercare both were very good. I've been having physiotherapy and shock wave treatment to regain shoulder movement, but I'm making slow progress.  How long should it take to regain shoulder movement after such surgery?  I'm male, 70 years young and have mild rheumatoid arthritis that is controlled.

Typically full movement would be restored at about the 3 month mark and at least a month of physical therapy have been needed.

 

Usually the arm is immobilized in a sling for about 6 weeks after the injury and while some PT may be possible during that period,  it is the second 6 week period after the sling is off when progress really is made - and, also, inevitably the initial period of immobilization in itself creates muscle wasting which later has to be slowly rebuilt.